All is in readiness for another spectacular i98FM Illawarra Convoy, following a mammoth fundraising effort.
This week’s Lead Truck Auction and Lead Bike Auction shattered all expectations, pushing the total amount raised over the past 21 years to an incredible $29,030,337.
After a thrilling live auction, the team from Ross Transport supported by Amarli’s Army will proudly lead the trucks, having secured the coveted position with a phenomenal $305,000 donation.
This will be the third time Ross Transport leads the event, as the company celebrates its 50th year.
The competitive bidding also saw huge contributions from long-time supporters, with MJ Rowles contributing $145,000 and Murrell’s Freight Lines donating $108,985 to the final auction total.
Coles Illawarra raised $156,000 to be the Lead Bike bidder for the fifth consecutive year.
And in a beautiful example of true Convoy spirit, Coles opted to yield the first position to Kris Beretov from Throttle Jockies, who is currently battling his own cancer journey.
Kris, in turn, graciously passed the Lead Bike position to Lee Tanks and his family, son of Convoy legend Ann Tanks, who sadly passed away this year.
The i98FM Illawarra Convoy will depart under police escort this Sunday at 8:15 am from GM3 Appin.
As per previous years, the Convoy route will travel down Mt Ousley, through Warrawong and past Stockland Shellharbour, concluding at the free Family Fun Day located at Shellharbour Airport. Registered motorbikes are scheduled to arrive at the airport at approximately 9:15am and lead trucks are expected to follow, arriving around 10:00am.
The Family Fun Day is packed with entertainment, including performances from headliner act The Screaming Jets. AC/DC support act Large Mirage will also join the festivities along with an array of Illawarra talent.
There’ll also plenty of other entertainment on the day including Kye’s FMX Jam motocross show, plus rides, Santa photos, food and market stalls, plus a special ‘Cars for Convoy’ display.
i98FM (98.1) will be broadcasting live from 6:00am.
All funds raised directly support the Illawarra Community Foundation, helping families battling life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses. To date, the foundation has assisted over 900 families across the Illawarra and South Coast.